Machine for Making Packs of an Infusion Product

ABSTRACT

A machine for making packs ( 2 ) of infusion products, created by a first sheet ( 21 ) of packaging material, forming a recess, in which a batched quantity of product ( 20 ) is placed, and a second sheet ( 22 ) of packaging material, applied on the first sheet ( 21 ) of packaging material and joined thereto peripherally. The machine includes a work assembly ( 30 ) for feeding the first sheets ( 21 ) to a carrousel ( 10 ), operated to rotate on a horizontal axis, in suitable step relation with the feeding of the sheets. The carrousel ( 10 ) has, made on its periphery, an ordered series of cavities ( 11 ), which receive the first sheets ( 21 ) for forming thereon, a respective recess, whose shape is suitable for containing the batched quantity of product ( 20 ). A filling group ( 40 ) introduces the batched quantity of product ( 20 ) into the recess formed on the first sheets ( 21 ), connected to the cavities ( 11 ) of the carrousel ( 10 ). A group ( 50 ) for feeding single second sheets ( 22 ) joins mutually the first and second sheets ( 21, 22 ) in an area all around the recess filled the batched quantities of product ( 20 ). A discharge work assembly ( 610 ) removes the packed products ( 2 ) from the carrousel ( 10 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a machine for making packs of infusionproducts, in particular coffee and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are packs of infusion products used to obtain, by suitablemachines, beverages like coffee or similar.

These packs are usually called “pods”.

In particular, the pods include a first sheet of filter paper, whichforms a recess, containing a batched quantity of product, and a secondsheet of filter paper, joined peripherally to the first sheet, so as toclose the pack.

The sheets of filter paper are usually made of heat-weldable material.

Different types of machines have been worked out for producing the podpacks.

These machines usually feed a first band of filter paper to a formingstation, in which an ordered series of recesses are made on the band,arranged along one row or more rows situated one beside another.

The so obtained recessed band is fed, in a substantially linear feedingdirection, to a filling station, where the batched quantities of productare put into the single recesses.

A second band of filter paper is then applied to the first one andwelded thereto, peripherally with respect to the recesses.

Thus, the band is cut around each recess, usually having a circularprofile, so as to obtain single packs.

Particularly stepwise operated machines are used in the field forpacking infusion products.

In the above machines, the packing cycle requires dwelling of the bandof filter paper for a time necessary to perform each single processingoperation, aimed at completing of the product packing.

Therefore, the production cycle of these machines is interrupted as manytimes as many operations are to be performed in order to obtain thepack.

Moreover, the duration of each dwell is defined by the minimum timerequired for the respective processing.

Also machines operating continuously are used, that is machines, inwhich the processed products are managed continuously, without any breakfor performing necessary processing.

The above type of packaging machines includes machines, which worktangentially and machines, which work along production lines.

In order to perform each processing, the tangentially working machinesusually use a pair of carrousels, cooperating in a region correspondingto only one tangent point.

In practice, the items are fed to suitable work stations, situated onthe first rotating carrousel, while the respective work assembly issituated on the second rotating carrousel, operated continuously insuitable step relation with the first one.

These machines perform only one operation with each pair of carrouselsand they can perform efficiently only short and very simple operationsin the position corresponding to the only tangent point, at which thework station is connected to the respective work assembly.

The continuous machines operating on parallel lines can be used for morecomplicated packaging operations, which requires considerable timeintervals.

In these machines, each processing operation is performed by a wokassembly carried by a conveyor, which joins the conveying line, on whichthe items are conveyed, along a section necessary for carrying out theoperation item. Joining of the conveyor and the conveying line, whichare usually belt conveyors, occurs when the single item and therespective work assembly move with the same speed, so as to allowprocessing operations requiring some time.

However, the machines operating on parallel lines can be cumbersome, andthus require high costs due to the need of production spaces, especiallywhen the processing operations to be performed are numerous andcomplicated.

There are also machines, which work continuously in axial directions,e.g. compressing, plug-applying machines, etc.

These machines are complex and cumbersome and they have only one workassembly.

Thus, the known machines have considerable limitations related to theproductivity and functionality, and they usually have a complicatedstructure, difficult to manage in the available spaces.

In the specific case of the machines for packaging infusion products,considerable disadvantages derive particularly from the fact that theypackage a plurality of products arranged adjacent to one another on aband being processed.

Actually, these machines usually produce a significant amount of scrapsof filter paper, deriving from the cutting single packs, forming thepods, from the processed band, which results in the increase ofproduction costs.

The remarkable quantity of scraps mentioned above is especially due tothe need to change the size, when necessary, for obtaining pods havingdifferent dimensions from a band with constant width.

Since the band must contain anyway the dimensions of the pods, thepercentage of wasted material, can be rather high.

Another disadvantage of the prior art machines derives from the limitsimposed by the type of filter paper, which can be used, in particularregarding the paper thickness.

Actually, the requirements of mechanical resistance, connected to theband pulling steps, exclude the use of thin or soft paper.

A further disadvantage of the prior art machines is the limited numberof the packs obtainable on the filter paper band in rows arranged onebeside another.

Usually, there are no more than two parallel rows of recesses, becauseof the necessity to prepare mechanical means working on the band sides,as well as because of the tensions created on the band between the rows.

Obviously, this limits the machine production capability.

Moreover, possible damage to one row of recesses, e.g. tearing, areeasily transmitted to the row beside.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to resolve the above problems, byproposing a machine for making packs of infusion products, which allowsefficient processing, optimizing the production rate and reducing thewaste of packaging material.

Another object of the present invention is to propose machine, whosestructure allows use of any type of packaging material, in particular asafar as thickness, nature, weft, and permeability thereof are concerned.

Within the above objects, it is a further object of the presentinvention that of proposing a machine for making packs of infusionproducts, whose concept is simple, working reliable, use versatile, anddimensions reduced.

The above mentioned objects are obtained, in accordance with thecontents of the claims, by the machine for making packs of infusionproducts, including a first sheet of packaging material, forming arecess, in which a batched quantity of product is placed, and a secondsheet of packaging material, applied on said first sheet of packagingmaterial and joined thereto along its outline characterized in that itincludes at least one work assembly for feeding said first sheets ofpackaging material; a carrousel, operated into rotation on a horizontalaxis, in a suitable step relation the feeding of said first sheets andhaving, made on its periphery, an ordered series of cavities forreceiving and forming a respective recess, whose shape is suitable forcontaining said batched quantity of product; filling group forintroducing said batched quantity of product into said recess formed onsaid first sheets; a group for feeding single second sheets of packagingmaterial to said carrousel in positions corresponding to said fistsheets filled with said batched quantity of product, and for joiningmutually said sheets in an area all around said filled recess; adischarge assembly, which moves said packs away from said cavities ofsaid carrousel

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristic features of the invention are pointed out in thefollowing description, with particular reference to the enclosedFigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a machine for making packs of infusionproducts, proposed by the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are respective axonometric, enlarged views of an infusionproduct as it appears in subsequent working steps;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are respective, partial, front views of the abovecarrousel connected to a work assembly;

FIG. 5 is a partial, top view of the above mentioned cavities made onthe carrousel;

FIGS. 6, 7 and 15 are views of particulars of the above mentionedcarrousel and of a general work assembly, connected thereto;

Figures from 8 to 14 show different views and enlarged particulars ofthe above mentioned work assembly for feeding a first sheet of filterpaper;

Figures from 16 to 19 are different views of the above filling group ofthe proposed machine;

Figures from 20 to 23 are different views of the above mentioned workassembly for feeding a second sheet of filter paper;

Figures from 24 to 27 are views of the above mentioned work assembly fordischarging the packed product, in subsequent working steps.

BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Having regards to the above Figures, the reference numeral 1 indicates amachine for making packs 2 for infusion products, in particular pods forpreparing, by means of suitable machines, infusion beverages like coffeeor the like.

The packs 2 include a first sheet 21 of filter paper, with a recess madetherein for receiving a batched quantity of product 20, and a secondsheet 22 of filter paper, joined to the first one along the edge, so asto close the pack 2 (See FIGS. 2 and 3).

The sheets 21, 22 are made of heat-weldable material.

The machine 1 includes a carrousel 10, carried, with possibility ofrotation on a horizontal axis, by a motor shaft 12 supported astationary frame 13 of the machine.

The carrousel 10 is driven into rotation, preferably with continuousmotion, by motor means of known type, not shown.

The carrousel 10 has an ordered series of cavities 11, made along itsedge and aimed at receiving single first sheets while being formed.

The cavities 11 are preferably arranged in more rows, one besideanother, as shown in FIG. 5.

The cavities 11 are aimed at being set in communication with suctionmeans, not shown, by respective suction conduits, so as to hold theabove first sheets 21 (see FIGS. 11A, 11B).

A plurality of satellite devices 3, 4, 5, 6 cooperate with the carrousel10, preferably according to the method for continuous processing ofitems, proposed by the contemporary Patent Application No. B02004A000545 filed on Sep. 7, 2004 by the same Applicant.

In particular, according to the shown embodiment, there are foursatellite devices, which carry respectively work assemblies 30 forfeeding and forming first sheets 21, work assemblies 40 for filling therecess made on the first sheets 21 with a batched quantity of product20, work assemblies 50 for feeding and closing single second sheets 22and work assemblies 60 for cutting the so obtained pack 2.

As it is more precisely shown in the above mentioned Patent Application,the satellite devices 3, 4, 5, 6, carrying the respective workassemblies 30, 40, 50, 60, are aimed at being driven into rotation on anaxis parallel to the one of the carrousel 10, so as to connect the abovementioned single work assemblies 30, 40, 50, 60 to respective workstations located in regions corresponding to the rows of cavities 11,arranged along the edge of the carrousel 10.

More precisely, the general satellite device S, shown in FIGS. 4A and4B, includes four general work assemblies G, arranged angularly andoffset with respect to the center of the device, aimed at withdrawingitems from a general withdrawing station P and at transferring them torespective work stations (cavities 11 in fact) of the carrousel 10; thework assemblies G move in synchrony with the cavities 11 along anangular path included between an engaging initial angular position α1and a disengaging final angular position α2.

Likewise, the work assemblies G can perform a reverse action to withdrawitems from the work station (cavities 11), so as to transfer them to thedischarging stations P.

In particular, each satellite device S includes a disc 23, mounted idle,by rolling bearings means, on an axis integral to the machine stationaryframe 13.

The disc 23, carries, in positions offset with respect to the center,one sleeve 24 for each work assembly, with a respective toothed wheel25, rotating idly on a fulcrum F, coinciding with the axis of the sleeve24.

The toothed wheel 25 can rotate freely by means of suitable rollbearings means on the sleeve (see e.g. FIG. 12)

The fulcrum F is aimed at describing a circumference, concentric withthe axis of the satellite device S, and indicated with broken line B inFIGS. 4A and 4B.

The circumference C intersects a circumference, concentric with the axisof the carrousel 10, indicated with broken line B in FIGS. 4A and 4B, intwo points corresponding to the above mentioned initial position α1 andfinal angular position α2.

When the cavity 11 is coupled to the respective work assembly G, thecarrousel 10 drives the satellite device S into rotation with an angularspeed, which depends on the path defined between the initial angularposition α1 and final angular position α2.

A guiding element 26 is fastened to each toothed wheel 25, by knownfastening means.

A carriage 27 slides inside the guiding element 26 and supports arespective work assembly G.

The sliding of the carriage 27 along the guiding element 26 is obtainedby means of e.g. a prismatic coupling with grooved guides 28 (see FIG.15).

The carriage 27 carries, integrally cantilevered, a bracket 29, aimed atrelating to and coupling with respective coupling means 14 of therespective work station, formed by one row of cavities 11: these meansare preferably magnetic means, of the type protected by the PatentApplication No. BO2004A 000547, filed on Sep. 7, 2004 by the Applicant.

The bracket 29 carries centering means 290, e.g. a conical pin, aimed atengaging with a corresponding coupling seat 140, made on the couplingmeans 14 (see FIG. 6).

Advantageously, the centering means 290 include suitable absorbing means291, e.g. elastic or hydraulic, aimed at absorbing possible impactsderiving from the connection of the row of cavities 11 with therespective work assembly G.

FIG. 7 shows additional coupling means 141 of mechanical type, aimed atfastening the carriage 27 to the carrousel 10.

The additional coupling means 141 include a lever 142, carriedoscillating on a pin 143, integral with the carrousel 10 and forming ahook, aimed at engaging with a tooth 144 integral with the carriage 27.

The lever 142 carries a roller 145, which is aimed at following a frontcam 146, fastened to the machine stationary frame 13, so as to make thelever 142 rotate angularly between a coupling position, determined by aspring 147, and an uncoupling position 142 a.

The sleeve 24 has an axial hole 240, through which suitable operatingmeans 241 and locking means 242 operate.

In particular, the means 241, 242 include respectively a cylindricalsleeve 243 and a push rod, fastened axially to a stem 244 slidingaxially inside the cylindrical sleeve 243.

The cylindrical sleeve 243 slides axially inside the axial hole 240. Theabove mentioned means 241, as well as the means 242 are operated by acam mechanism so as to translate move axially.

In particular, the operating means 241 are moved by a first axial,motionless cam 245, fastened coaxial to the disc 23, and by a firstroller 246, carried by a first bracket 247, integral with thecylindrical sleeve 243.

Likewise, the locking means 242 are operated by a second, axial,motionless cam 248, coaxial with the disc 23, and by a second roll 249,carried by a second bracket 250, integral with the stem cylindricalsleeve 244, so as to move axially.

The push rod, carried by the stem 244, is aimed at translating from arear position up to a fore position, protruding from the guiding element26 through a respective hole, in order to engage a hollow 251 made onthe carriage 27, so as to block the motion of the carriage 27.

Each toothed wheel 25 engages with a respective idle wheel 31, rotatablycarried on the disc 23, which in turn engages with a central, motionlesswheel 32, coaxial with the disc 23 of the satellite device S.

The central, motionless wheel 32 has a toothless down-stepped section33, whose extension corresponds to the angular path, in which the workassembly G is matches the row of cavities 11 of the carrousel 10.

In the shown example, the down-stepped section extends through 90°, (seeFIG. 4A).

In practice, the gear formed by the central, motionless wheel 32 and theidle wheels 31, is aimed at driving the toothed wheels 25 into rotationon its fulcrum F, supporting the work assemblies G, during an idlingstep, while the presence of the down-stepped section 33 disengages thework assembly G from the motion transmission during the active step.

In the shown case, the machine includes a first satellite device 3,carrying four work assemblies 30 for feeding and forming first sheets21, supported by as many carriages 27, as described before.

The sheets 21 are advantageously fed by an apparatus 300, to form singlesheets of packaging material, described in a more precise way in thecontemporaneous Patent Application No. B02004A 00542 filed on Sep. 7,2004 by the same Applicant.

The feeding and forming groups 30 withdraw single first sheets 21 in afirst withdrawing station 310, situated in a position corresponding to amachine 300, transfer the sheets 21 to a respective row of cavities 11of the carrousel 10 and finally, form, on the latter, recesses suitablefor containing batched quantity of product 20.

In particular, said work assemblies 30 withdraw and form the singlefirst sheets 21, according to a system for transferring items from awithdrawing station to a work station, disclosed in anothercontemporaneous Patent Application No. B02004A 00546 filed on Sep. 7,2004 by the same Applicant.

As it is better shown in the above mentioned Patent Application, thefeeding and forming means 30 (see Figures from 8 to 14), include anactuator element 34, aimed at driving a plurality of units 35, carriedby respective stems 36, so as to move orthogonal with respect to theaxis of the satellite device.

The actuator element 34 includes e.g. a mechanism operated by thepreviously described cylindrical sleeve 243.

In particular, the cylindrical sleeve 243 is rigidly connected to abracket 340, which, in turn, carries a tie rod 544, extending parallelto the rotation axis of the carrousel 10.

Toggles 341 are connected to the tie rod, to operate the stems, carryingthe units 35 to move synchronously in an axial direction.

Each unit includes a platform 35 a, keyed onto the stem 36, a head 35 b,a shaft 37, aimed at connecting the platform 35 a to the head 35 b, andself-leveling means 38, situated between the platform 35 a and the head35 b (see FIG. 14).

The shaft 37, onto which the head 35 b is keyed, is fastened to theplatform 35 a in known way and it can oscillate with respect theretowithin a prefixed 3D angle.

The above oscillation is allowed by the width of a seat 380 made in theplatform 35 a, concentric to the stem 36, inside which the shaft isintroduced freely.

The self-leveling means 38 include preferably three push rods 381,spaced apart angularly and equidistant with respect to the axis of theplatform 35 a; elastic means 382, preferably disc springs, are situatedbetween the platform 35 a and each push rod 381.

Each push rod 381 slides axially in a related hole 383, made in theplatform 35 a, and engages with a corresponding conical seat 384, madein the inner surface 350 of the head 35 b turned toward the platform 35a.

The head 35 a, of e.g. with squared horizontal cross-section, includes abody having an inner surface 350 and an outer surface 351, and groups352, for example four.

Each group 352 intersects the body of the head 35 b along its wholedepth and is located at a corresponding corner.

The outer surface 351 of the above body has preferably a circularimpression 353, centered with respect to the axis of the head 35 b (seeFIGS. 8 and 9).

In particular, the above circular impression 353 is aimed at forming afirst sheet 21, according to the shape of the cavities 11 made on thecarrousel 10. Known heating means, not shown, supply the amount of heatnecessary to form the above first sheets 21.

Each group 352 includes a sleeve 354, a gripping group 355 and a lever355 (see FIG. 10).

The sleeve 354 can slide axially with respect to the inside of the head35 b body and protrudes with respect to the upper part of the innersurface 350 of a threaded part 357, engaged with a nut 358 and a locknut359.

At the other end, the sleeve 354 forms a flat surface 360, whose portioncoupled with the above circular impression 353, has curved cross-section(see FIG. 9).

The axial sliding of the sleeve 354 is contrasted by preloaded elasticmeans 361, situated between the sleeve and the head 35 b, and limited bythe abutment of the nut 358 against the inner surface 350 of the head 35b body.

The gripping group 355 is situated inside the sleeve 354, inside whichit can slide axially against the preloaded elastic means 362, situatedbetween the sleeve 354 and the group.

This axial sliding is limited by a first end stop 363, defined by theabutment of the head 364, carried by a relative stem and forming an endof the gripping group 355, against the outer surface of the threadedpart 357 of the sleeve 354.

The above first end stop 363 defines a first outer idle point of thegroup.

The gripping group 355 includes, on its outer side, a head 365, whichcarries a plurality of needles 366, e.g. four, arranged incorrespondence to the corners of a square.

A lever 556, orthogonal with respect to the axis of the gripping group355, transits in a through hole 367, made in the sleeve 354.

The outer surface of the head 365 is flat and coplanar with the flatsurface 360, when the gripping group 355 goes in abutment against thefirst end stop 363.

The abutment of the nut 358 against the inner surface 350 of the head 35b body, defines a second end stop 386, which identifies a second outeridle point for axial sliding of the sleeve 354.

In particular, the coupling of the nut 358 and the locknut 359 with thethreading of the threaded part 357 is performed in such a way, that, ifno outer stresses act on the flat surface 360, it protrudes from theouter surface 351.

The flat surface 360 protrudes with respect to the outer surface 351 ofthe head 35 b body by a quantity, which can be adjusted by theregulation of the nut 358 on the threaded part 357.

Each needle 366 includes a point 366 a, preferably conical, and a shank366 b, rigidly fastened to the head 365.

As shown in FIG. 11 a, the first withdrawing station 310 has asubstantially flat withdrawing surface 311, which, in the given workingconfigurations, face a respective head 35 b and has recesses 312, whosenumber is equal to the number of the groups 352, and whose depth is atleast equal to the length of the needles 366.

The cross-section of each recess 312 defines a polygon, which containsthe one defined by the tips of the needles 366 fastened to each head365.

Finally, the respective work station on the carrousel 10 has blockabutments 15, situated at the side of each cavity 11, in a number equalto the number of the groups 353, so that each block abutment goes intocontact with a respective lever 356 to raise the head 365 of thegripping group 355 to the flat surface 360 of the sleeve 354.

Downstream of the first satellite device 3, along the feeding directionA of the carrousel 10, the machine 1 includes a second satellite device4, carrying four work assemblies 40 for filling batched quantities ofproduct 20, supplied by an apparatus 400 for batching powder products,according to the method and the same apparatus described in anothercontemporary Patent Application No. BO2004A 000543 filed on Sep. 7, 2004by the same Applicant.

Each filling group 40 (see Figures from 16 to 19) is aimed atwithdrawing a series of batched quantities of product 20 from arespective second withdrawing station 410 of the apparatus 400, situatedabove the carrousel 10, at transferring the above batched quantities 20to a respective row of cavities 11, where respective formed first sheets21 are situated, and finally, at compressing at he above batchedquantities 20 against the above cavities 11 covered with the firstsheets 21.

In particular, each work assembly 40 includes a body 40 a, withintroduced thereinside, a plurality of plungers 41, carried byrespective grooved stems 42.

Mechanisms with toggles 43, as the ones described for the feeding andforming groups 30, operate the grooved stems 42 into axial motionbetween a rear configuration and a fore configuration.

In particular, the mechanism with toggles 43 is operated by a tie rod644 guided by a bracket 640, fastened to the push rod, connected to thestem 244, which is operated by a cam mechanism 248 and roller 249 likethe ones already described.

The plungers 41 forms each a concave head 41 a, aimed at hollow arespective batched quantity of product 20.

The shape of the concave head 41 a is preferably complementary to theshape of the cavity 11, so as obtain a whole of a pod.

A second mechanism 44, operated by the sleeve 243, controlled by a cammechanism 245 and roller 246, already illustrated, controls a series ofshutter devices 45, aimed at allowing, during respective working steps,the passage of two batched quantities 20 from the second withdrawingstations 410 to the concave heads 41 a of the plungers 41, the strongholding of the batched quantities 20 against the concave heads 41 aduring the transferring to respective work stations, and finally, thedischarge of the quantities 20 in correspondence to respective cavities11, covered with the first sheets 21.

In particular, each shutter device 45 forms preferably a plate of fourlobes 450, overlapping a portion of the outer surface of the body 40 a,which engages a pair of plungers 41, situated one beside another.

The plate 450 is rotatably carried on a pin 451, in a median positionbetween the above pair of plungers 41, coaxial with the grooved stems 42(see FIG. 18).

The plate of four lobes 450 has also a pair of opposite openings 452,whose shape allows the passage of a respective batched quantity 20.

In the shown example, the openings 452 have a substantially circularshape.

The pin 451 is driven to rotate by a sleeve 243, integral with a rack46, parallel to the axis of the satellite device 4.

The rack 46 engages with an intermediate wheel 47, which in turn,engages with a pinion 48, keyed onto the pin 451, driving it intorotation.

In practice, during some working steps, the openings 452 overlaprespective concave heads 41 a, freeing the passage to the respectivebatched quantities 20, while during other working steps, the sameopenings are turned with respect to the previous configuration and thefour-lobe plate 450 acts as a cover situated above the concave heads 41a.

During the active step of the respective work assembly 40, the groovedstems 42 rotate continuously.

In fact, the grooved stems 42 are introduced coaxial into the groovedhub of respective toothed wheels 49, which are operated, by theinterposition of suitable idle wheels idle wheels 490, from a singleconical pinion 491, situated below, engaged with a fixed toothed crown492, arranged coaxial with the carrousel 10.

In particular, the conical pinion 491 is carried by a shaft 493,arranged parallel to the grooved stems 42.

The shaft 493 is house, in a passing through condition, in a suitableseat 494, made in the body 40 a of the respective filling group 40.

Advantageously, the shaft 493 has a suitable shoulder 495, situatedinside the seat 494.

Suitable, preloaded elastic means 496 act between the seat 494 and theshoulder 495, so as to ensure a firm engagement between the conicalpinion 491 and the fixed toothed crown 492, in the beginning of theactive step of the respective filling group 40.

A third satellite device 5, situated downstream of the second satellitedevice 4, carries four work assemblies 50 for feeding and closing thesecond sheets 22.

Each of the four work assemblies 50 is aimed at withdrawing secondsheets 22 from an apparatus 300 for forming single sheets of packagingmaterial, in a first withdrawing station 310 (see FIG. 1), attransferring and feeding the above second sheets 22 to respectiverecesses, already filled with the batched quantity 20 of product, and atclosing the so formed pack by heat-welding.

The apparatus 300 for forming single second sheets 22 is quite identicalto the apparatus for forming first sheets 21.

Likewise, the above mentioned work assemblies 50 include feeding andforming groups 30, described previously, with the only differencesexplained below.

First of all, the heads 35 b of the units 35 include respective circularimpressions 51, concave not convex, since the second sheets 22 mustcover respective cavities, already filled with product (see FIGS. 21 and22).

Further, the same heads 35 b include, situated thereinside, a heatingmember 52 of known type, aimed at heating the first sheets 21 and thesecond sheets 22, in order to heat-weld them.

In particular, the heating member 52 is e.g. ring-like and isintroduced, outside the circular impression 51, inside the head 35 b inthe joining area (see Figures from 20 to 23).

Finally, the machine 1 includes a fourth satellite device 6, carryingfour respective work assemblies 60, aimed at trimming peripherally theso obtained packs and at allowing the latter to move away from therespective work stations formed by the rows of cavities 11 (see Figuresfrom 24 to 27).

In particular, each trimming group 60 includes a bracket 61, parallel tothe axis of the satellite device

The bracket 61 has pins 62, orthogonal thereto, hinged to the togglemechanisms 63 of the previously described type.

The mechanisms 63 are controlled by a respective cylindrical sleeve 243,operated in turn, as it has been said previously, by a respective cammechanism.

In practice, the bracket 61 moves between a rear configuration and afore configuration, in which the packaging material is trimmed.

The bracket 61 carries, orthogonal thereto, a plurality of trimmingunits 64, aimed at trimming scraps of filter paper from the respectivepackages.

In particular, the trimming units 64 are keyed into suitable seats 61 amade in the bracket 61.

Each trimming unit 64 includes a shaped head 65, a trimming cup-likeblade 66, and a paper pressing cup 67.

The shaped head 65 slides axially and carries, on one end, an impression68, aimed at hollow the product packaged during the trimming anddischarge steps.

When the product to pack is a two-shell-like pack, the impression 68forms a concave recess, substantially equal to a half product, but it isalso possible to pack one-shell-like products, by using substantiallyflat impressions 68.

Likewise, it is possible to obtain packages of other forms.

The shaped head 65 has also, in the region corresponding to theimpression 68, suction ducts 69, which lead to an inner chamber 70,connected to known suction means, not shown.

The suction means are aimed at keeping the packaged product in adherencewithin the impression 68 during the transferring to a respectivedischarge station 610 (FIG. 27).

In the shown case, the shaped head 65 is made in two parts, however itcan be made also in one piece or in another way, according to theconstructive preferences.

At the end opposite to the impression 68, the shaped head 65 forms asleeve 65 a, having a terminal threaded portion 65 b.

A nut 71 and a locknut 72 are coupled with the terminal threaded portion65 b.

The trimming cup blade 66 forms, at its lower end, a blade of continuousshape, e.g. circular, and, at its upper end, it carries a sleeve 66 a,keyed axially outside the sleeve 65 a.

The longitudinal extension of the sleeve 66 a is smaller than theextension of the hollow sleeve 65 a, so that the terminal part of thesleeve 66 a is situated below the nut 71.

Moreover, the sleeve 66 a has also a threaded end, to be tightened witha respective nut 85, in abutment against the outer surface 61 b of thebracket 61.

The tightening blocks the downward sliding of the sleeve 66 a.

Anyway, it is sufficient to change the tightening of the nut 85 or ofthe nut 71 and the locknut 72, to adjust the relative positioning of thetrimming cup-blade and of the shaped head 65.

Finally, the paper pressing cup 67 forms substantially an overturnedcup, keyed onto the sleeve 66 a of the trimming cup blade 66 through acentral hole 74, made on the flat surface 75 of the pressing cup 67.

In particular, this coupling is preferably made with a clearance and insuch a way that the paper pressing cup 67 slides on the sleeve 66 a.

The paper pressing cup 67 forms, at its lower end, an edge 76, with awedge shape, aimed at pushing, in abutment against the carrousel 10, arespective paper pressing seat 77, e.g. ring-like, situated outside thecavity 11.

The axial positioning of the paper pressing cup 67 is determined byelastic means 78, interposed between the upper flat surface 75 of thebeaker and the seat 61 a of the bracket 61, in a position correspondingto a respective abutment 79, made therein.

A push rods device 80 positions axially the trimming cup blade 66.

The push rods device 80 includes preferably three pegs 81, equidistantand regularly spaced apart with respect to the axis of the working unit64.

Each peg 81 is introduced, passing therethrough, inside holes 178, 179,made respectively in the bracket 61 and in the paper pressing cup 67.

Each peg 81 includes, at the respective ends, a head 81 a, in abutmentagainst the upper surface of the bracket 61, and a substantiallyhalf-spherical push rod 81 b, which goes in contact with a respectiveflat surface 82, situated at the bottom of a respective hollow, made onthe top of the trimming cup blade 66.

A collar 83, formed by the peg 81 above the push rod 81 b, acts asabutment for respective preloaded elastic means 84, aimed at maintainingthe coupling of the head 81 a with the upper surface of the bracket 61(see FIG. 25B).

A counter-blade seat 185 is located in the carrousel 10, between thecavity 11 and the paper pressing seat 77, so as to match the trimmingcup blade 66 during the trimming step, when the trimming unit 64 is inthe fore position.

Withdrawing means 90, situated downstream of the trimming satellitedevice 6, are carried, with possibility to rotate, by a shaft 91,coaxial with the carrousel.

The withdrawing means 90 form substantially a star device, which has awithdrawing unit 92 at the head of each radial rod.

Each unit 92 is aimed at withdrawing, e.g. by known suction means, thepackages 2 of a row, kept by respective shaped heads 65, so as totransfer them to the subsequent production or storage areas.

The operation of the machine for making packs of infusion products isdescribed now, with reference to the described embodiment.

However, other embodiments, e.g. stepwise operation or other ways,remain within the protective scope of the present invention.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the carrousel 10 is operated tomove continuously on the shaft 12, in the direction indicated with thearrow A.

Generally, when a row of cavities 11 of the carrousel 10 and a workassembly G carried by a general satellite device S are situated at therespective initial angular position a1, the coupling means 14 act, so asto refer and couple the carriage 27, supporting the work assembly G, tothe row of cavities 11, in a reliable way, so as to perform a givenoperation on the cavities 11 of the carrousel 10.

Then, the carrousel 10 rotates the idle disc 23 of the satellite deviceS, carrying the active work assembly G.

In particular, the fulcrum F of the work assembly G covers acircumference portion B of the satellite device S, included between theinitial angular position a1 and the final angular position α2.

What above is possible, because the guiding element 26 of the abovementioned carriage 27, carrying the active work assembly G, is free torotate on its fulcrum F, since its idle wheel 31 is disengaged from thecentral, motionless wheel 32, as engaged with the toothless down-steppedsection 33.

Likewise, the push rod, carried by the stem 244, which protrudes fromthe sleeve 14, is in its rear position and thus, it does not engage thecarriage 27, and consequently, it is free to move along the guidingelement 26 (FIG. 13).

In short, the active work assembly G moves, because it is solidlyfastened to the row of cavities 11 of the carrousel 10.

In practice, the active work assembly G, pulled by the carrousel 10,performs a double rotational movement, about the fulcrum F, and a radialmovement with respect to the carrousel 10 along the guiding element 26.

It is to be pointed out that, during the active step, the carriage 27 isalways arranged radial with respect to the carrousel 10 (FIGS. 4A and4B).

The relative speed of the active work assembly G with respect to the rowof cavities 11, to which it is connected, is zero, so as to make itpossible to perform the respective operation during the angular path,from the initial angular position a1 to the final one α2.

During the operations performed by the active work assembly G, theremaining non-active work assemblies G, carried by the same satellitedevice S, rotate on their fulcrum F, due to the engagement with thecentral, motionless wheel 32, and on the axis of the satellite device S,due to the pulling action operated by the carrousel 10 on the activework assembly G (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

Moreover, the respective push rod, carried by the stem 244, engages withthe relative carriage 27 and thus it prevents the translation of thesupported work assembly G (FIG. 4A).

When the active work assembly G reaches the final angular position a2,the coupling means 14 are deactivated, so as to move the work assembly Gaway from the row of cavities 11.

In parallel, the push rod carried by the stem 244 slides axially,operated by a respective cam mechanism and engages with the carriage 27of the same work assembly G, locking again its translation along theguiding element 26.

During the inactive step, each work assembly G rotates on its fulcrum F,so as to reach the initial angular position α1 in a configurationsuitable for operating the coupling means 14, in order to perform afurther operation on the subsequent row of cavities 11, in the rotationdirection A of the carrousel 10.

During the so-called “rest” step, each feeding and forming group 30,carried by the first satellite device 3 with possibility of rotation onits fulcrum F, reaches the configuration, in which a respective seriesof first sheets 21 is withdrawn from a first withdrawing station 310,situated downstream of a machine 300 for forming single sheets ofpackaging material (see FIGS. 11, 11A, and 11B).

In this condition, the centering means 290 are uncoupled and the pushrod carried by the stem 244 engages the respective hollow 251, so as toprevent the axial sliding of the carriage 27 along the guiding element26.

The heads 35 b of the units 35, carried in fore position by the actuatorelement 34, goes in contact with the series of first sheets 21, situatedon the withdrawing surface 311 of the first withdrawing station 310.

In particular, the needles 366 punch the first sheets 21 preferably inregions corresponding to adjacent areas, which will be subsequentlytrimmed, and enter the recesses 312.

During the punching of the first sheets 21, the flat surface 360 of thesleeve 354 is aligned with the outer surface of the head 365 and itsubstantially touches the first sheets 21.

During the subsequent rotation of the satellite device 3, the firstsheets 21, solidly held by the heads 365 with the needles 366, aretransferred to be fed to the carrousel 10 (see FIG. 12).

The feeding step begins when the work assembly 30 reaches the initialangular position α1, described previously, in which the centering means290 refer to the respective coupling seat 140.

In the same way, the push rod carried by the stem 244 is withdrawn todisengage the carriage 27, carrying the work assembly 30.

The toothed wheel 25 is driven to rotate on the fulcrum F and on theaxis of the satellite device 3, since it is pulled together with thecarrousel 10.

In fact, the idle wheel 31 is situated in correspondence to the groove33 of the central, motionless wheel 32.

During the angular path between the initial angular position α1 and thefinal angular position α2, the actuator element 34 leads the units 35 tothe fore configuration.

The levers 556 are then stricken by the abutments 15, which cause theraising of the heads 365 with respect to the sleeve 354 (see FIG. 13B),while the flat surface 360 locks peripherally the first sheets 21 in aregion corresponding to the respective cavity 11.

When the units 35 feeding step is finished, the circular impression 353abuts against the inner surface of the cavity 11, to form the firstsheet 21.

Heating means (not shown) are used to transmit heat in suitable steprelation with the units 35 feeding, so as to obtain preferablyheat-forming of the first sheets 21: in this connection see the PatentApplication No. BO2004A 000544 filed on Sep. 7, 2004 by the sameApplicant.

The work assembly 30 is uncoupled in the final angular position α2.

The first sheets 21, with the respective formed recesses, are heldinside the cavities 11 by suction means acting therein.

The only function of the suction means is to contrast the centrifugalforce, since the shaping of the sheets, obtained by the heat-forming, isstable.

Afterwards, the second satellite device 4 acts, carrying the fillinggroups 40 for withdrawing the batched quantities 20 of product, fillingand compressing the quantities 20 on the recesses formed in the firstsheets 21, suitably situated on the carrousel 10.

A filling group 40 reaches the second withdrawing station 410 during theidle step.

The axial sliding of the carriage 27 is prevented, since the push rodcarried by the stem 244 engages the respective hollow 251, while thecentering means 290 are free.

When the filling group 40 reaches the second withdrawing station 410,the plungers 41 are in a completely withdrawn configuration, while theshutter devices 45, set in contact with the withdrawing surface of thestation 410, are rotated so that the openings 452 face the respectivefeeding openings of the batching machine 400, as well as thecorresponding concave heads 41 a.

In suitable step relation, the machine feeds the batched quantities 20of product, which are received by the concave space of the concave heads41 a.

As soon as the batched quantity 20 is entirely put on the concave head41 a of the plunger 41, the shutter devices 45 are rotatedsynchronously, so as to cover the heads 41 a and thus prevent thebatched quantity 20 from leaving during the transferring step, whichoccurs during the subsequent rotation of the filling group 40 on theaxis of the second satellite device 4.

When the respective initial angular position α1 has been reached, thefilling group 40 matches with the carrousel 10.

The shutter devices 45, in contact with the peripheral portion of thecarrousel 10, are rotated synchronously again, so that the openings 452face the plungers 41, as well as the respective row of cavities 11, withthe formed first sheets 21.

The feeding of the plungers 41, operated by the toggle mechanism 43,transfers the batched quantities 20 onto the recesses formed by thefirst sheets 21 and, in the final step of the stroke, compress thebatched quantities 20 on the cavities 11.

During this step, the conical pinion 491 is engaged with the fixedtoothed crown 492, so as to add a rotation movement to the plungers 41feeding, in order to uniform the compression performed on the batchedquantities 20 of product.

During the subsequent step of the cycle of packaging infusion products,the third satellite device 5 intervenes, equipped with work assemblies50 for feeding and closing the second sheets 22.

The operation way of each of the work assemblies 50 coincides with theone already described in relation to the groups 30 for feeding andforming the first sheets 21, with the only differences explained below.

It is to be pointed out the during the active step of the respectivework assembly 50, the second sheets 22 are arranged to cover respectivebatched quantities 20 of product, already formed inside the recesses ofthe first sheets 21, since the second sheets 22 go in abutment againstthe concave surface of the concave circular impressions 51 of the units35.

Moreover, the heating means working near the joining portion of therespective first sheets 21 and second sheets 22, heat weld them.

When the packaging cycle of infusion products is finished, the fourthsatellite device 6 intervenes, carrying the trimming groups 60.

During the bracket 61 feeding, by the toggles mechanism 63, the trimminggroups 60 are set in contact with the peripheral portion of thecarrousel 10, in a position corresponding to the row of cavities 11,already having the batched quantities 20 interposed between the firstsheets 21 and the second sheets 22, joined thermally.

The feeding of the bracket 61 brings each edge 76 of the paper pressingcups 67 to contact the first sheets 21 and the second sheets 22, pushingthem tightly inside the paper pressing seat 77.

In the final section of the bracket 61 feeding, the push rods devices 80push the trimming cup blades 66 into contact with the first sheets 21and the second sheets 22, protruding from the cavities 11, and to cutthem.

The trimming operation finishes when the blade of the trimming cupblades 66 reaches the respective counter-blade seat 185.

The so finished packs 2 are closed between the respective cavities 11and shaped heads 65, since they are kept by suction means, which act incorrespondence to the cavities 11 (see FIG. 25B).

The transferring of the packs 2 to the subsequent discharge station 610is allowed by the activation of the suction means acting at the innerchambers 70, connected to the shaped heads 65, as described.

In suitable step relation, the coupling means of the work assembly 60are disengaged and the units 64 withdrawn (see FIG. 26).

The locking means 242 lock again the carriage 27, and the respectivework assembly 60 is rotated until it reaches the discharge station 610,situated beside the fourth satellite device 6.

In the station 610, the bracket 61, carrying the units 64, is movedagain by the toggles mechanism 63, so as to transfer the packs 2,carried by the shaped heads 65, to the withdrawing means 92 (see FIG.27).

In particular, the suction means connected to the inner chambers 70 ofthe shaped heads 65 are deactivated, when the packs 2 face therespective withdrawing means 92, so as to receive and hold them tightly.

During the next rotation, the withdrawing device, prepares packs 2obtained in other working areas.

The described machine reaches the object of making packs of infusionproducts, such as coffee and the like, with the best use of filterpaper.

In particular, an advantage of this machine lies in fact that it allowsto reduce substantially the removed filter paper, i.e. productionwastes, which obviously diminishes the packs cost.

This is obtained due to making of the packs 2 by using single sheets 21,22 of filter paper, on the rotating carrousel 10.

Actually, the dimensions of the single sheets 21, 22 of filter paper areadapted to the dimensions of the packs to be made and can be suitablyvaried, if the packs size is changed.

The use of single sheets 21, 22 of filter paper for making packs 2 doesnot limit the type of packaging material, in particular as far asthickness, weft, and permeability thereof are concerned.

The user can choose any kind of paper, even thin or soft, because thereare no particular requirements concerning the mechanical resistance,connected to the pulling of the filter paper band.

It is also possible to use packaging materials different than filterpaper, e.g. sheets of permeable material, natural and/or synthetic, or akind of fabric obtained with natural and/or synthetic fibers.

The use of single sheets 21, 22 of filter paper avoids the transmissionof tensions and possible defects from one row to another of the filterpaper band, which is a disadvantage of the prior art machines.

A further advantage of the proposed machine lies in the fact that itallows to make packs of infusion products, working in parallel on anynumber of rows, arranged side by side, so as to obtain highproductivity.

Moreover, due to the continuous operation of the carrousel 10, theproductivity is further increased, since the processed products are notstopped during the packaging cycle.

In particular, also the most delicate steps, such as the packs fillingor closing, are performed by connecting the respective satellite devicesto the carrousel 10, while it rotates continuously.

This result is obtained first of all by the fact that each work station6 is connected to the respective work assembly G along the angular pathbetween the initial angular position a1 and the final angular positionα2, and not in only one tangent point, as it occurs in the prior arttangential machines.

Moreover, the proposed machine allows to perform all the processingsteps on the same carrousel 10, so as to optimize the production spaces,not only with respect to the continuous, linear machines, but also withrespect to the less bulky, tangential machines.

It is to be pointed out that the performing of subsequent operations bythe machine is very efficient, because the coupling between the workstations and the respective work assemblies, preferably magnetic, butalso mechanical or of other type, is stable and does not transmit shocksto the mechanical means involved in the given working step.

Finally, the above results are obtained by a machine of simple andcompact structure, versatile use and reliable operation.

Another advantage derives form the fact that the heat-formed recesses ofthe first sheets 21 satisfy the prefixed geometrical characteristics,which allows to optimize the filling of the recesses with the batchedquantities of product 20.

It is understood that the proposed invention has been described, withreference to the enclosed figures, as a mere, not limiting example.Therefore, it is obvious that any changes or variants applied theretoremain within the protective scope defined by the following claims.

1. A machine for making packs of infusion products, the packs includinga first sheet (21) of packaging material, having at least one recess, inwhich a batched quantity of product (20) is placed, and a second sheet(22) of packaging material, applied on said first sheet (21) ofpackaging material and joined thereto peripherally, characterized inthat it includes at least one work assembly (30) for feeding said firstsheets (21) of packaging material; a carrousel (10), operated to rotateon a horizontal axis, in suitable step relation with the feeding of saidfirst sheets (21) and having, made on its periphery, an ordered seriesof cavities (11)for receiving said first sheets (21) and forming thereona respective recess with a shape suitable for containing said batchedquantity of product (20); a filling group (40) for introducing saidbatched quantity of product (20) into said recess formed on said firstsheets (21) associated to said cavities (11) of said carrousel (10); agroup (50) for feeding single second sheets (22) of packaging materialto said carrousel (10) in positions corresponding to said first sheets(21) filled with said batched quantity of product (20), and for joiningmutually said sheets (21, 22) in an area all around said filled recess;a discharge work assembly (610) for moving said packs (2) away from saidcavities (11) of said carrousel (10).
 2. A machine, as claimed in claim1, characterized in that said carrousel (10) is operated to rotatecontinuously.
 3. A machine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in thatsaid continuously rotating carrousel (10) has at least one orderedseries of cavities (11), active between an initial angular position (α1)and a final angular position (α2), to pack respective products fed tothe ordered series of cavities (11); at least one satellite device (3,4, 5, 6), which is driven to rotate on an axis parallel to the one ofsaid carrousel (10) and which has at least one work assembly (30, 40,50, 60); means (14) for coupling said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) ofthe satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6) with said ordered series of cavities(11) of the carrousel (10), in said initial angular position (α1) of theseries of cavities (11) and for uncoupling said work assembly (30, 40,50, 60) from said ordered series of cavities (11) in said final angularposition (α2).
 4. A machine, as claimed in claim 3, characterized inthat said satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6) is mounted idle on a fixed axis(130) and is driven to rotate by said carrousel (10) by the subsequentengaging of a plurality of work assemblies (30, 40, 50, 60) with saidseries of cavities (11) of the carrousel (10).
 5. A machine, as claimedin claim 3, characterized in that it includes supporting means (26, 27)of said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60), pivoted eccentrically on saidsatellite device (3, 4, 5, 6), on a fulcrum (F), which covers acircumference (C) intersecting the circumference arc (B), covered bysaid series of cavities (11) of the carrousel (10), at said initialangular position (a1) and said final angular position (α2).
 6. Amachine, as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that said supportingmeans (26, 27) of said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) include a guidingelement (26), pivoted on said satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6) on saidfulcrum (F) and a carriage (27), sliding along said guiding element (26)and supporting said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60).
 7. A machine, asclaimed in claim 6, characterized in that it includes locking means(242), which prevents translation of said carriage (27) with respect tosaid guiding element (26), when said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) isnot connected to said series of cavities (11).
 8. A machine, as claimedin claim 7, characterized in that said locking means (242) include atleast one push rod member, carried by said satellite device (3, 4, 5,6), with possibility to slide axially, and operated to move by cam means(248, 249) between a rear, disengaging position, and a fore position, inwhich it engages with a hollow (251) made on said carriage (27).
 9. Amachine, as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said supportingmeans (26, 27) of said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) are operated torotate by engaging means (25, 31), connected to said satellite device(3, 4, 5, 6) and coupled to a central, motionless wheel (32), arrangedcoaxial to said satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6).
 10. A machine, as claimedin claim 9, characterized in that said central, motionless wheel (32)has a toothless down-stepped section (33), which disengages said workassembly (30, 40, 50, 60) during said active step.
 11. A machine, asclaimed in claim 3, characterized in that said means (14) for couplingsaid work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) to said series of cavities (11)cooperate with centering means (290), carried integral with the workassembly (30, 40, 50, 60).
 12. A machine, as claimed in claim 11,characterized in that said centering means (290) include at least oneconical pin, which engages with a corresponding coupling seat (140),made on said means (14) for coupling said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60)to said series of cavities (11).
 13. A machine, as claimed in claim 3,characterized in that said carrousel (10) carries mechanical couplingmeans (141), which block said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) in itsactive step, and which include a coupling member (143), carriedoscillating by a lever (142), following cam means (146), so as to movebetween a position of coupling said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60),determined by spring means (147) and an uncoupling position (142 a). 14.A machine, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said means (14)for coupling said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) to said series ofcavities (11) are magnetic.
 15. A machine, as claimed in claim 3,characterized in that said satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6) carries,regularly spaced apart, a plurality of work assemblies (30, 40, 50, 60),which cooperate in succession with corresponding series of cavities(11), distributed along the carrousel (10) periphery.
 16. A machine, asclaimed in claim 1, characterized in that it includes at least onetrimming group (60), consisting of respective trimming means (66), whichtrim said pack (2) along a peripheral area.
 17. A machine, as claimed inclaim 1, characterized in that said work assembly (30) for feeding saidfirst sheets (21) of packaging material includes respective heatingmeans, which thermo-form recesses on said first sheets (21).
 18. Amachine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said work assembly(50) for feeding said second sheets (22) includes respective heatingmeans (52), situated near a peripheral portion of said first sheets (21)joined to said second sheets (22), to heat-weld them.
 19. A machine, asclaimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one said workassemblies (30, 50) for feeding said first and second sheets (21, 22)forms a system for transferring them from a withdrawing station (310) toa series of cavities (11), which includes a gripping group (355), movingbetween a first withdrawing station (310) of said items (21, 22) andsaid series of cavities (11), and having at least one needle (366) forpunching, at least partially, the sheet (21, 22) in said firstwithdrawing station (310) and for transferring said sheets to the seriesof cavities (11), means (556, 360, 15) for disengaging said needle (366)from said sheet (21, 22), cooperating functionally with the grippinggroup (355) in a position corresponding to said series of cavities (11).20. A machine, as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that saidgripping group (355) including substantially a head (365) with saidneedle (366), is carried slidingly axially by a unit (35) operated by anactuator (34), since said group (355) is subjected to elastic means(362) on one side, and in abutment against a first end stop (363) on theother side, so as to define a first outer dead center of said head (365)and in that said disengaging means include at least one lever (556),integral with said gripping group (355), a flat surface (360), connectedto said gripping unit (35), both facing said series of cavities (11),when said gripping group (355) is connected thereto, an abutment (15),situated near said series of cavities (11) and contacting said lever(556), with consequent translation of said gripping group (355) againstsaid elastic means (362), to define the uncoupling of said needle (366)from said sheet (21, 22) kept by the flat surface (360).
 21. A machine,as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that said actuator (34)includes a toggle mechanism (341), articulated to a stem (36), whichcarries said withdrawing unit (35).
 22. A machine, as claimed in claim1, characterized in that said filling group includes a body (40 a), atleast one plunger (41), forming a concave head (41 a) and slidingaxially inside said body (40 a), shutter means (45) for keeping abatched quantity of product (20) inside said concave head (40 a) of saidplunger (40).
 23. A machine, as claimed in claim 22, characterized inthat said plunger (41) is carried by a stem (42), operated axially byactuator means (43) including a toggle mechanism.
 24. A machine, asclaimed in claim 22, characterized in that said stem (42) has a groovedsection to be operated to rotate by respective gears (49, 490).
 25. Amachine, as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that said gears (49,490) of said filling group (40) are operated to rotate by a conicalpinion (491), which engages with a fixed toothed crown (492), coaxial tothe carrousel (10), when said filling group is connected to said seriesof cavities (11) to feed respective batched quantities of product (20).26. A machine, as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that saidshutter means (45) form a four-lobe plate (450) carried with possibilityto rotate by a pin (451) in a position median and coaxial with arespective pair of plungers (41), said plate (450) having a pair ofopposite openings (452), allowing a passage of respective batchedquantities of product (20).
 27. A machine, as claimed in claim 26,characterized in that said pin (451) is keyed onto a respective pinion(48) meshed with a respective intermediate wheel (47), operated by arack (46), which moves longitudinally and alternately.
 28. A machine, asclaimed in claim 1, characterized in that said group (30) for feedingfirst sheets (21) includes a convex impression (353), carried withpossibility to slide axially by the respective withdrawing unit (35) toform said first sheets (21).
 29. A machine, as claimed in claim 1,characterized in that said group (50) for feeding said second sheets(22) includes a concave impression (51), carried with possibility toslide axially by the respective withdrawing unit (35), to join saidsecond sheets (22) with said lift truck (1) containing said batchedquantities of product (20).
 30. A machine, as claimed in claim 1,characterized in that said discharging group (610) includes a shapedhead (65), forming a preferably concave impression (68), which receivessaid packs (2), and which faces aspiration ducts (69), connected toaspiration means to hold rigidly said packs (2).
 31. A machine, asclaimed in claim 16, characterized in that said trimming group (60)includes at least one trimming cup blade (66), sliding axially andcarrying, at its lower end, a blade of continuous profile, which goes inabutment against respective counter blade seat (185), outer to thejoining area of said first and second sheets (21, 22) to trim arespective peripheral portion thereof.
 32. A machine, as claimed inclaim 28, characterized in that said trimming group (60) includes atleast a paper pressing cup (67), forming substantially an overturnedcup, keyed with possibility to slide axially on said trimming cup blade(66) and carrying, on its lower end, and edge (76) of wedge shape, whichintercepts a respective peripheral area of said first sheets (21) joinedto the second sheets (22), and pushes, in abutment against saidcarrousel (10), a respective
 33. A machine, as claimed in claim 1,characterized in that said packaging material is filter paper.
 34. Amachine, as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said continuouslyrotating carrousel (10) has at least one ordered series of cavities(11), active between an initial angular position (α1) and a finalangular position (α2), to pack respective products fed to the orderedseries of cavities (11); at least one satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6),which is driven to rotate on an axis parallel to the one of saidcarrousel (10) and which has at least one work assembly (30, 40, 50,60); means (14) for coupling said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) of thesatellite device (3, 4, 5, 6) with said ordered series of cavities (11)of the carrousel (10), in said initial angular position (α1) of theseries of cavities (11) and for uncoupling said work assembly (30, 40,50, 60) from said ordered series of cavities (11) in said final angularposition (α2).
 35. A machine, as claimed in claim 17, characterized inthat said packaging material is filter paper.